She slowly opened her eyes. The sunlight streaming through the open curtains made her squint. Another pain shot through her, but in her head this time. She closed her eyes and moaned, rolling her head away from the direct light.
“Oh, yer awake! Quick child, go fetch Mr. Lee,” the older woman instructed someone else in the room.
Nicole felt a hand on top of her head. “Miss Nicole? Can ye ‘ear me?”
“Yes,” Nicole croaked.
The hand disappeared from her head and a few seconds later came back with a damp towel, placing it in the same spot. “Yer still a little feverish.”
Once more, Nicole tried to open her eyes. Instead of the sunlight, she saw the woman’s face. Round and very plump, the woman had the cheeriest smile and kindest eyes. Nicole thought her accent sounded like she could have been raised from the slums of London. “Who...are you?”
The older woman smiled. “I’m Patsy. I’m Mr. Lee’s ‘ousekeeper.”
Nicole tried to smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Patsy.” Her gaze moved past the housekeeper to sweep around the room. “Where am I?”
“Yer in Mr. Lee’s guestroom.”
“Where is Ashton?”
“I sent Veronica to fetch ‘im.”
Nicole rolled her head again to peer at her shoulder. Clean white bandages were wrapped neatly around her shoulder, appearing very professional. “Ashton found a doctor?”
“Well, I’m not a professional doctor, but I’m the best when someone desperately needs me.” She puffed her chest proudly.
Nicole tried to smile again. “I’m sure you did a wonderful job, and the bandage looks clean.”
“I thank you, Miss Nicole. I try to keep ye well enough so that ye can ‘eal quickly.”
Heavy boot steps rattled the floor in the hallway as if someone were hurrying to her room. Seconds later, Ashton walked in. He wore different clothes from when she had seen him last. A white shirt with brown cravat, a gray waistcoat and black trousers—that looked exceptionally good on him—were clean without a single spot of her blood. Naturally, he would have had to change by now. He wasn’t as clean shaven as she had thought he’d be, but nonetheless, he was still quite handsome.
When his gaze met hers, he smiled and rushed to her bedside. Gently, he took hold of her hand. “How are you feeling?”
She swallowed hard, hoping to get rid of the dryness in her mouth. “I’m hurting, but it’s not as bad as before.”
“Are you hungry?”
Just the mention of food had her stomach grumbling. “Yes.”
He looked at the older woman. “Patsy, will you get her something from the kitchen?”
“Yes, Mr. Lee.” She bustled out of the room, her gray servant’s dress swishing around her wide hips.
“Patsy tells me she took care of my wound,” Nicole said, getting Ashton’s attention once more.
“Yes. I knew I could trust her. I’ve known her for years.”
“She is very kind.”
He rubbed her hand softly. “You had a high fever, and Patsy assumed it was infection setting in your body. She found some herbs to heal you.” His smile relaxed. “I’m relieved to see they worked. It was touch and go there for a while. We were all very worried about you.”
Confusion swam in her head. What did he mean by there for a while? “How long have I been here?”
“Three days.”
Shock vibrated through her, and she gasped. She couldn’t possibly have been here that long. “Three days?” Oh dear! She had to get out of here. Her family and Mrs. Phelps must be worried out of their mind by now.
Nicole tried to sit up, but between the pain in her shoulder and Ashton holding her to the bed, she couldn’t move.
